SP Udayakumar: The man leading the Kudankulam protests

​S P Udayakumar could easily be a character in a spy thriller. This week, as protests surrounding the Kudankulam nuclear plant flared again, Udayakumar was on the run, hiding in the houses of villagers, with the police in hot pursuit. House-to-house searches were reported and the activists accused the police of harassing villagers. Udayakumar declared that he would surrender, as he did not want the harassment to go on.

Drama followed. Within hours, it was reported that the bearded activist had been taken away by fishermen who formed the main component of the protesting communities. Arvind Kejriwal, who has been leading anti-corruption protests in Delhi, and who declared his support for the movement, made a surprise announcement that Udayakumar would not surrender at any cost.Images: Agencies